US: Sikhs hail passage of Anand Marriage Act

Sikhs in the United States have welcomed the passage of Anand Marriage Act by the Parliament and termed it as a historic day for their community in the country.

Sikhs in the United States have welcomed the passage of Anand Marriage Act by the Parliament and termed it as a historic day for their community in the country.

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"Not having a full recognition of their observances and their customs in India had created a sense of lack among Sikhs and it questioned their independent identity as a community. This thoughtful action by the elected leaders of India honours the Sikh tradition and its validity," said Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Washington-based Sikh Council.

It also sends a signal that India welcomes its own vibrant diversity and honours its own minorities.

"Comprehensive law recognition the Sikh marriage is still needed which would require community wide deliberations and we appeal to Sikh leaders to involve various sections of Sikh intelligentsia," he said.

I J Singh, a New York-based Sikh commentator and author of several Sikh books, said the passage of Anand Marriage Act was obviously important for Sikhs in India and Sikhs across the world.

"It is crucial step but it is a pity that it took 60 years. Not that we as a community did not protest or struggle to get this crucial recognition, finally those efforts have brought this good," he said.

Ranjit Singh, chairman of the Maryland-based Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, said it was great to see Sikh parliamentarians working across party lines to achieve this goal.

"That is a victory for Sikhs. Indian Parliament leaders also deserve recognition for their unanimous decision," he said.